Neuroblastoma: What the nurse practitioner should know.

Abstract

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive review of the background, diagnosis, and primary care management of neuroblastoma (NBL) and to describe the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and diagnostic tests for the patient with NBL.

Data sources: Extensive review of the worldwide scientific literature on the condition, including primary care articles and studies performed.

Conclusions: NBL is one of the most common tumors of childhood and clinical presentation depends on the site of the primary tumor as well as the presence and location of any metastasis. Treatment includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, as well as the newer immunotherapy.

Implications for practice: NBL is often identified in the primary care setting, and it is important to be able to recognize the presentation and correctly manage the disease. The clinical presentation of NBL, the vital facts needed to ensure that this diagnosis will not be overlooked, and follow-up in a primary care setting will be reviewed.